Economic Recovery Officer – Civil Engineer

Duty Station [Aden/Lahj – Roving position covering the activities implementation in both Lahj and West Coast]

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Throughout its nine field offices and a workforce of 450 staff, DRC upholds its main programmatic objectives to provide immediate and life sustaining assistance, to strengthen the protective environment, and to reduce displacement related risks and vulnerabilities by promoting self-reliance at household and community level.

About the Job:

Overall purpose

The Economic Recovery Officer – Civil Engineer will lead technical efforts in designing, implementing, and supervising infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of rural communities. Key responsibilities include the development and management of water systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and other essential infrastructure to support sustainable livelihoods. The role will also oversee Cash-for-Work (CfW) interventions aimed at addressing immediate livelihood needs and contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and community recovery.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure Development and Design

• Conduct detailed needs assessments and feasibility studies for community infrastructure projects.
• Prepare technical designs, BOQs, technical drawings and specifications in collaboration with the Economic Recovery Manager.
• Ensure that infrastructure designs are cost-effective and the labour is suited for CfW implementation where possible.

Cash-for-Work Activities

• Identify infrastructure projects suitable for CfW interventions, such as road rehabilitation, other Natural Resource Management activities like water harvesting structures, irrigation systems, etc.
• Work with community committees to select CfW participants based on agreed criteria, ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity.
• Design tasks for CfW participants and provide technical supervision to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.
• Facilitate skill-building opportunities for CfW participants, contributing to their long-term employability.
• Build the capacity of community committees/members in carrying out basic maintenance of infrastructures.

Implementation and Supervision

• Oversee all construction/rehabilitation and CfW activities, ensuring compliance with technical standards and safety protocols.
• Monitor on-site activities, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Communicate any challenges faced during implementation with the EcRec Manager.
• Provide training to local committees for the maintenance of completed infrastructure.

Coordination and Reporting

• Coordinate with the EcRec Manager, Team Leader, Officers and Assistants in design and implementation.
• Work closely with the Agronomy Officer in identifying and designing Natural Resources Management Infrastructures.
• Collaborate with the support functions such as the Finance and Supply Chain in teams to ensure accurate and timely payments to CfW participants.
• Work with the SC Team to identify and vet the procurement of quality materials for any infrastructure or NRM activities.
• Prepare detailed progress reports covering both infrastructure and CfW activities, including lessons learned, and photo evidence at all stages.
• Contribute to donor reporting and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Engage and Coordinate activities with the relevant line ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Works, etc.).

Other

• Support with evidence and data driven recommendations for future proposals.
• Perform other tasks and duties as required by the line Manager.
• Support and help other DRC sectors if needed with daily activities.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field locations with difficult terrains.
• Knowledge of conflict-sensitive and environmentally sustainable approaches.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in rural infrastructure development and CfW implementation.
• Experience working in Natural Resources Management-related activities (Desired).
• Proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD, GIS tools and project management software.
• Knowledge of cash-transfer modalities, humanitarian standards, and community-driven approaches.
• Strong communication and capacity-building skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Experience with following standard procedures and guidelines.
• An understanding and commitment to DRC aims and values.
• Ethical, trustworthy, creative, dynamic and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks, under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.

• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.

• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.

• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Languages:

• Arabic – fluent
• English – Required (professional proficiency preferred)

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until December 2025, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work As soon as possible, and be willing and able to work in Aden/Lahj (Roving position covering the activities implementation in both Lahj and West Coast).

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. This position will be placed at Band (H Non-Manager) and will be reporting to Protection Manager.

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or the link below.
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.
Females are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applications close 31 December 2024. The interviews are expected to take place, in two weeks after advertisement closing date.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please check Need Support?

Need further information?

For more details on this position, please contact yem-recruitment@drc.ngo.

Please note that applications sent directly to [yem-recruitment@drc.ngo] will not be considered.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.ngo